Assistant Director, Communications

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Director, Communications and Engagement drives the organization’s public relations and community strategy. This individual is responsible for representing the DLBA as spokesperson, managing all aspects of media relations, coordinating internal communications, and leading a team of communications and community engagement specialists. This role reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and provides support and counsel for the entire executive team on thought leadership, media preparedness, policy development, process improvement, and organizational reporting. The Assistant Director, Communications and Engagement should foster a solutions-focused, high-performance culture that emphasizes empowerment, equity, quality, and productivity that furthers the DLBA’s mission and commitment to transparency. The Assistant Director is expected to be an ambassador for the DLBA, fully knowledgeable of all DLBA programs, policies, and activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Media and public relations

o Serve as the central point of contact for reporters and media outlets to ensure a timely, coordinated response.

o Cultivate strong relationships with reporters and newsrooms locally and nationally.

o Develop and pitch DLBA stories to secure media coverage.

o Work closely with DLBA and City of Detroit leadership to protect and strengthen the DLBA’s public image and community reputation.

o Position the DLBA and its executives as industry thought leaders. Identify, book, and prepare for thought leadership speaking engagements; conceptualize and execute thought leadership content for publication on DLBA platforms, industry outlets, etc.

o Act as a liaison between the DLBA and the City of Detroit Media and Communications team. Attend twice-weekly City Communications Cabinet meetings.

Communications & Digital Content

o Drive interagency communications strategy to ensure proactive, timely, transparent, and collaborative interactions.

o Be a champion of, and key advisor on, internal communications strategy. Create internal communications to support organizational goals and operations.

o Supervise and work closely with the Digital Content Specialist on social media, branding, multi-platform content creation, and storytelling.

o Own the DLBA’s “voice.” Ensure cohesive messaging throughout all external communications; write and proofread a wide variety of communications on behalf of the organization, including monthly and quarterly reporting, client-facing documents, and website content, and more.

o Create presentations, speeches, and talking points for executives for use in City Council meetings, community events, and speaking engagements.

Community Engagement

o Drive community engagement strategy in support of organizational goals.

o Represent the DLBA at community events and be a subject matter expert in core organizational functions.

o Facilitate opportunities for other team members and DLBA staff to participate in community engagement and events.

o Support the organization in planning and executing small and large-scale public events, including providing communications coaching for DLBA staff.

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)

This individual is expected to possess a demonstrated track record of success in leadership roles requiring delivery of multiple tasks and balancing multiple priorities. The ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people, junior and senior staff, and both internal and external customers will also be key.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related

Field.

• 8+ years of relevant experience with 3+ years of management experience required.

• Solutions-oriented and adept at identifying challenges and providing advice/best practice recommendations.

• Ability to work under tight time pressures, prioritize workflow, problem solve and react quickly to changing business needs and demands, all in a fast-paced and high growth business environment.

• Highly skilled writer and detail-oriented proofreader. Experienced with producing a variety of written content in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, as well as public speaking ability.

• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints both in writing and orally.

• Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate effectively with all levels of staff and motivate collaborators to deliver high-quality results.

• Ability to interpret complex concepts covering the wide variety of programming performed by the DLBA

• Strong leadership and organizational abilities.

• Must be a mission-driven individual with a sense of public service to the residents of the City of Detroit.

• The highest level of moral character, honesty and integrity.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Canva, and Meta Business Suite.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Background in Detroit-area media market or agencies.

• Detroit resident or a Detroit background with a deep knowledge of community needs.

• Familiar with Detroit government and communities.

• Experience in government, community development, real estate, or land use planning.

• Experience with non-profit or governmental program design, management systems, and community change strategies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervise team members whose core functions include community engagement activities, including the Community Initiatives Program Manager, Constituent Experience Liaison, and City Council & Government Liaison.

Supervise team members whose core functions include liaising with various City of Detroit departments and Detroit City Council.

Manage the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the department/division. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the company policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, planning, assigning, directing work, rewarding and disciplining employees, performance reviews, addressing complaints and resolving problems. Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

BENEFITS

Working with the DLBA, you will be a vital part of the fight against the blight epidemic facing Detroit. Compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, external market and internal value analysis including seniority and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of the Detroit Land Bank's total compensation package. Other rewards include a variety of benefits to employees, including health, dental and vision insurance coverage, life and disability insurance within your first 60 days, additionally included are a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off.